Volunteer Fire Assistance Program and Grants
The Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program is designed to establish and enhance fire protection in communities with a population of 10,000 persons or less. Through this program, the Division of Forestry provides training, grant funds and technical advice to rural fire departments.
Volunteer Fire Assistance grants funding ranging from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $5,000 is available through a 50/50 reimbursement system on an annual basis. Grant applications are generally available during the first quarter of the calendar year, and recipients are reimbursed for approved costs at the end of the grant cycle. Eligible equipment items that can be purchased with VFA grant funding include:
* Nomex clothing
* pump hoses
* tanks
* fire shelters
* small fire suppression equipment and personal protective equipment.
2012 VFA Grant Application and Instructions.pdf
The following links provide a summary of assistance provided to Kentucky's Volunteer Fire Departments:
Volunteer Fire Department Grant Summary
Volunteer Fire Department Grant Recipients for 2010
Fire Department Survey Result
For more information and assistance regarding the grants, contact Michael Harp, fire management program specialist, at 800-866-0555 or view the Grant Opportunities page to obtain an application package when made available.
Training Opportunities for VFDs
Wildland firefighter training courses are offered to fire departments across the state. The training includes the S-130 and S-190 courses, which are wildland fire courses certified by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Please contact the district office in your area for more information about training courses.
Federal Excess Personal Property
The Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) program provides equipment to loan to local fire departments for suppressing wildland fires in their area. FEPP is authorized through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 USC 2106) and administered by KDF. The program provides low-cost fire protection equipment, tools and supplies for rural Kentucky fire departments. Equipment available includes trucks, tankers, generators, tanks, fire hoses and turnout gear. Items must be used for fire protection purposes only. Legally chartered fire departments may qualify to receive FEPP upon agreement to:
1. Sign a memorandum of agreement with KDF.
2. Respond to all calls within their coverage area.
3. Provide mutual aid to KDF upon request.
4. Keep equipment painted, protected and in serviceable condition.
5. Acquire and maintain liability insurance for FEPP vehicles.
6. Return equipment to KDF for proper disposal.
To apply for FEPP equipment, fire departments should contact their local district office or their local county ranger technician.
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